BRINGING LEARNING TO LIGHT | | |
Have you ever wondered what's behind the engagement, resilience, and genuine love of learning we see in the students at Mountain Laurel?
It's the Waldorf approach in action – the daily rhythms, hands-on projects, artistic integration, and meaningful relationships that make learning come alive. These aren't just educational practices – they're research-backed approaches that develop the whole child. We wanted to let you know about our recently revitalized blog that is bringing these insights to light.
Whether you're a current family looking to deepen your understanding of Waldorf education, an alumnus reflecting on how your time at Mountain Laurel prepared you for future years, or a community member simply curious about our educational philosophy, we invite you to explore topics such as:
Why do Waldorf students love science? While national science scores and student interest continue to decline, our students are discovering firsthand why hands-on learning creates genuine excitement and lasting understanding.
How does Waldorf education build resilience? Through multidisciplinary learning and deep teacher-student relationships, our students learn that mistakes are part of the process, that challenges are opportunities, and that they are capable of handling difficult things with confidence and creativity.
What's the value of low-tech classrooms? Research confirms that arts and humanities integrated across subjects develop critical thinking, collaboration, empathy, and a deep understanding of the human experience.
What makes learning stick? Neuroscience shows that lessons involving movement, peer discussion, artistic expression, and multisensory experiences create lasting memories. When students draw, move, build, and even eat their math(!), learning becomes meaningful and unforgettable.
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And, as always, we're excited to share some of the moments – from cultural celebrations to student performances and community support – that illuminated our school this past month. Scroll down for an inside look, and the many wonderful things happening at Mountain Laurel.
As the days grow shorter and we look to light within ourselves and each other, we wish you blessings and joy!
| WORDS FROM RUDOLF STEINER | To ignite the light of thinking so forcefully within me — To live within the meaning of the cosmic spirit's source of power — This is for me: The heritage of summer, The tranquillity of fall, The hope of winter. | | |
FROM BUSINESS PLAN TO PROFIT: 6TH GRADE MATH
Our sixth graders are learning business math by running their own mock companies. After developing business plans and applying for loans from Matsunaga Trusted Bank, students hosted a business day where families and middle grades students shopped their creations. Now comes the real-world math: calculating monthly earnings, making loan payments, and determining profit. This hands-on approach transforms abstract concepts like interest rates, operating costs, and revenue into tangible, memorable lessons about entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
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FIFTH GRADE BRINGS GANESH TO LIFE
Our fifth graders brought Ancient India to life with their performance of "The Glorious Life of Ganesh." As part of their study of Indian culture, history, and mythology, students worked together to present a series of stories about Ganesh, the beloved deity known for wisdom, removing obstacles, and new beginnings. Through their collaborative effort and growing thespian talents, the students embodied these very qualities – bringing these timeless myths to our stage with confidence and joy. What a glorious performance!
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HONORING LOVED ONES: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
This November, our community honored Día de los Muertos, the beautiful Latin American tradition of remembering departed loved ones with joy and reverence. Students contributed photos of beloved family members to our school ofrenda, taking quiet moments to reflect and remember. Our eighth graders joined Señora Marta in sharing traditional hot cocoa and pan de muerto with the community, bringing warmth and sweetness to the celebration. This meaningful tradition teaches us that love and memory keep our connections alive across generations.
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SHARING THIS EARTH, LEAVING THIS EARTH
Our community gathered for a beautiful Morning Assembly with Matoaka Little Eagle, a Teaching Artist with The Vanaver Caravan and culture bearer of Tewa, Apache, and Chickahominy heritage. For three years, Matoaka has shared Indigenous stories, songs, and dances with our students, connecting us to rich Native American traditions. Her teachings remind us of our responsibility to both share this earth respectfully and leave it better than we found it for future generations. Thank you, Matoaka, for bringing these powerful and timely lessons to Mountain Laurel!
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LANTERN WALK: A CIRCLE OF LIGHT
As the natural world darkens, the inner light of humanity wants to shine forth. During our annual Lantern Walk, this light appeared as the flame enclosed in each child’s lantern. After sunset, the students in Nursery through 2nd grade – their souls wide open to wonder and magic – walked along a candlelit path holding their lanterns until they reached a circle of light, where, as they sang the lantern songs, dancing fairies entered the circle and handed out magical star cookies to all the children.
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CELEBRATING STUDENT LEARNING: WORK SHARE
Our Grades Work Share brought students from 1st through 8th grade to the stage to share their learning with confidence and joy. Families were invited to peruse the children's Main Lesson Books, showcasing artwork, stories, lettering and beautiful illustrations. The students shared songs they've been learning with their class teachers—in voice and recorder—and poems in Mandarin Chinese with Ms. Chen, many accompanied by coordinated movements like bean bag tosses, rhythmic stick work, and throw and catch exercises that brought embodied learning to life. From morning verse to journeys down the Hudson River, from Shakespeare to Emma Lazarus, students demonstrated the depth and breadth of their studies. The room full of parents and grandparents saw Waldorf education in action—and the quiet pride of children who know they are seen and supported.
| | 70 BAGS OF CARE: FALL FOOD DRIVE | | | | We are deeply grateful to our community for the overwhelming response to this year's Fall Food Drive, organized by both Student Council and Parent Council. Together, we collected 70 bags of food – 40 for Family of New Paltz and 30 for St. Joseph's – at a time when many in our community face food insecurity. Special thanks to Ms. Tomoko and the parent volunteers who delivered the donations to both organizations. This beautiful effort taught our students an essential lesson: we care for one another, especially during times of need. Thank you for modeling generosity and compassion. | | LAST CHANCE:
GAMES BASKET RAFFLE ENDS TOMORROW! | | | | |
There's still time to enter our Games & Learning Basket raffle — but just barely! Any donation of $20 or more to our November Learning Campaign by midnight tomorrow (December 2nd) enters you to win this $250+ collection of family favorites.
The basket includes Settlers of Catan, Pandemic, Five Crowns, Yahtzee!, Magnetic Wooden Chess & Checkers, and more — lovingly donated by our 1st and 8th grade families.
Drawing takes place December 3rd.
| | Excitement is building for our Community Cabaret on March 7, 2026 – an elegant fundraising evening celebrating the talents within our community! We're seeking performers of all kinds: singers, dancers, musicians, spoken word artists, magicians, and anyone ready to delight and entertain. Whether you're a seasoned performer or eager to share a hidden talent, we'd love to have you on stage. Interested in performing? Contact Amy Hannes at ahannes@mountainlaurel.org to be part of this memorable evening! | | SCHOOL STORE - GREAT GIFT IDEAS! | Looking for meaningful gifts and quality materials? Our school store offers Waldorf craft supplies, books on anthroposophy and Waldorf education, books by beloved children's authors, handcrafted slippers and woolen mittens, beautiful beeswax candles, and Mountain Laurel logo items. Children will be delighted to have their own set of Stockmar colored pencils and crayons at home – the same high-quality art supplies they use in school! Browse modeling wax, kite paper, cards, notebooks, and more. Visit our store online or stop into the reception area to find treasures for your friends and family. | | UPCOMING EVENTS
DECEMBER & JANUARY | |
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REHEARSAL FOR WINTER FAIR CAROLING
Monday, December 1
3:30 - 4:30 PM
Attendance at rehearsals is not required to sing at the Winter Fair; recordings of the songs are provided so you can learn at home!
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SEED OF LIGHT MEETINGS
Tuesdays, December 2, 9 & 16
3:30 - 5:00 PM in Jaeckel Hall
Meetings are usually held in Jaeckel Hall, but may also be in the Sculpture Studio at 7 Innis. Volunteers can take part in prop making, set building, puppet manipulation, singing, and more. Email vie@mountainlaurel.org for more information.
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VOICES FOR INCLUSION & EQUITY (VIE) GROUP
Tuesdays, December 2 & 16
7:00 - 8:00 PM via Zoom
The VIE Group is dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, just, and welcoming school environment. Meets every other week; see School Calendar for all dates. Email vie@mountainlaurel.org for more information.
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RAFFLE DRAWING: GAMES BASKET
Wednesday, December 3
Click here to learn more and enter to win
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HALF DAY
Thursday, December 4
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WINTER SPIRAL
Thursday, December 4
4:00 PM - Nursery through Grade 2
5:30 PM - Grades 3 through 8
Jaeckel Hall
To the sound of soft music, and by the illumination of candles, each child walks a spiral path of evergreens, journeying toward an inner light to be brought out into the world.
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LOST & FOUND
Friday, December 5 & Monday, December 15
12:00 - 3:30 PM or later (weather permitting)
Outside Jaeckel Hall
Lost & Found can also be accessed anytime in the Reception Office
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MINDFULNESS MEETS ANTHROPOSOPHY
Wednesday, December 10
7:00 - 7:45 PM
Jaeckel Hall
A co-created supportive adult community engaging in mindfulness practices such as singing, walking silent meditation, seated silent meditation, reading from inspirational texts from Anthroposophy, “dharma talk" style sharing in order to practice deep listening, closing mirror activity. Meets monthly; please see School Calendar for all dates. Email Michelle Boynton for more information.
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WINTER GIFT MAKING FAIR
Sunday, December 7
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
All are welcome!
Join us as Mountain Laurel's Main Building turns into a winter wonderland with food, crafts, puppets, artisanal vendors, music and cheer to delight the whole family. Admission is free and open to the public, so please invite family and friends. Learn more.
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SANTA LUCIA CELEBRATION
Friday, December 12
Santa Lucia – a Festival of Light in the Waldorf Calendar of Festivals – is celebrated on December 13, which was, under the Julian calendar, the Winter Solstice. In Waldorf schools, the Second Grade students have the privilege every year to lead the school in the celebration of Santa Lucia.
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PARENT COUNCIL MEETING
Friday, December 12
2:00 - 3:00 PM
2nd Floor at 7 Innis Avenue (enter at back of building)
MLWS parents and caregivers are welcome to participate in a meeting designed by and for parents and caregivers. Email parentcouncil@mountainlaurel.org for more information.
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OBERUFER SHEPHERDS PLAY
Monday, December 15
6:30 PM in Jaeckel Hall
A gift from the MLWS staff to parents and children. A traditional peasant play handed down through oral tradition in the small, remote village of Oberufer, Austria, the Shepherd's Play takes the Christmas story from the point of view of the Shepherds in a unique, humorous and warm-hearted way. Performed since Medieval times by people around the world, it is an annual tradition at Waldorf Schools.
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WINTER MUSIC SHARE
Friday, December 19
7:00 PM
New Paltz High School
There are two music share events during each school year at Mountain Laurel Waldorf School, one on the last day of school before the winter break in December, and another on a Friday in May. Every child in the grades participates in the music shares, with grades one through three sharing with their grade, then grades four through eighth sharing in the various ensembles, choirs and orchestras that are a thriving part of the curriculum at Mountain Laurel. The music shares are typically held at 7pm in the New Paltz High School auditorium, where there is plenty of room for parents, family and friends to enjoy the children’s wonderful performances.
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NO SCHOOL - WINTER RECESS
Monday, December 22 - Friday, January 2
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NO SCHOOL - MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
Monday, January 19
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OPEN HOUSE & WINDOW ON THE MIDDLE GRADES
Sunday, January 25
Exact Time TBD
Save the date for a special program that will take you behind the scenes of the Middle Grades at Mountain Laurel. Hear from alumni, ask questions and participate in hands-on learning.
| | CLASSIFIEDS & COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS | | |
Mountain Laurel teacher seeking a month-to-month lease for a 1 or 2 bedroom house or apartment (approx $1300/month, with access to washer/dryer) within 30 minutes of Mountain Laurel with move-in date no later than January 23, 2026. Please email tmatsunaga@mountainlaurel.org if you have any leads.
Submit your listing
To have your classifieds or community announcements listed in our next issue of The Laurel, please submit entries here by December 15th. Thank you!
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